A nearby day trip: Cocoa Beach or Kennedy Space Center — pick one
Pick Cocoa Beach if you want a roughly 1–1¼ hour drive for sun, sand, surf and a relaxed seaside stop. Choose Kennedy Space Center (about a 1 hour 25 minute drive) if you prefer a full-day, museum-and-launch-history experience focused on spaceflight.
In this guide
At-a-glance comparison
This guide compares Cocoa Beach and Kennedy Space Center as nearby day-trip options from Loews Portofino Bay Hotel. Both are driveable from the hotel; travel times vary with traffic.
Use this quick table to match your group’s interests and how you want to spend a day away from Universal Orlando.
- Cocoa Beach: beach time, surfing, Ron Jon Surf Shop, casual seaside dining.
- Kennedy Space Center: exhibits, historic spacecraft, tours and programs about NASA and spaceflight.
- Drive time from Loews Portofino Bay Hotel: Cocoa Beach ~1–1¼ hours; Kennedy Space Center ~1 hour 25 minutes (times can change with traffic).
| Feature | Cocoa Beach | Kennedy Space Center |
|---|---|---|
| Primary activity | Beach, swimming, surfing, shops | Museum exhibits, spacecraft, launch history |
| Typical visit style | Laid-back beach day (flexible arrival/departure) | Planned museum day (allow several hours) |
| Drive time (typical) | About 1–1¼ hours | About 1 hour 25 minutes |
How to get there from Loews Portofino Bay Hotel
Both Cocoa Beach and Kennedy Space Center are best reached by car. The hotel is at 5601 Universal Blvd, and major eastbound routes from Orlando lead to Florida’s Space Coast.
Public and tour options exist but are less frequent; if you don’t plan to drive, check with the hotel concierge for current shuttles or guided day-trip options before you go.
- By car: most direct routes use eastbound highways; expect travel time to vary with traffic and time of day.
- By hotel: ask concierge about private transfers or recommended tour providers; the hotel offers ticket and tour assistance.
- Note: water taxi, shuttle buses and walking paths connect you to Universal parks from the hotel, but not to Cocoa Beach or Kennedy Space Center.
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Drive yourself | Most flexible—allow extra time for parking and traffic |
| Hotel concierge / tours | Concierge can arrange transfers or point you to tour operators |
| Public transport | Limited for these destinations—plan on long travel times or multiple transfers |
If you choose Cocoa Beach
Cocoa Beach is known for accessible shoreline, family-friendly surf spots, and beachside shopping such as the large Ron Jon Surf Shop. It’s a straightforward beach stop if you want sun and sand rather than museum time.
Plan for a mix of beach time and walking the pier or browsing surf shops. Bring beach gear, sun protection and a plan for parking or paid lots at popular stretches.
- Good for: families who want a relaxed beach afternoon, beginner surf lessons, seaside dining.
- Typical activities: swimming, sunbathing, strolling the pier, visiting surf shops.
- Travel tip: coastal traffic can slow returns in late afternoon—leave extra time to get back to Orlando.
| Practical | Quick notes |
|---|---|
| Parking | Public and paid lots available—availability varies by beach and season |
| Facilities | Restrooms, concessions at popular piers and beachheads |
| What to pack | Towels, umbrella, water, sunscreen, change of clothes |
If you choose Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center is a museum and visitor complex focused on NASA history, rockets, and launch facilities. Visitors typically spend several hours touring exhibits and watching presentations.
Expect structured exhibits, historic spacecraft, and interpretive displays. If there are special programs or launch-related events, plan ahead—these can affect both timing and availability.
- Good for: space enthusiasts, school-age children and teens, visitors who enjoy museums and guided exhibits.
- Typical activities: exhibition halls, bus tours of certain facilities, IMAX films and astronaut-focused displays.
- Timing: allocate a half to full day depending on how many exhibits and tours you want to see.
| Visitor tip | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Arrive early | More time to see exhibits before afternoon crowds |
| Check special-event calendars | Launches or special programs may require advance planning |
| Food & restrooms on site | Facilities are available; check current hours and locations upon arrival |
Which to pick for your group
Match the day trip to who you’re traveling with and your energy level. Families with younger children or anyone wanting a relaxed outing will likely prefer Cocoa Beach. School-age kids, teens and adults interested in science and history will get more out of Kennedy Space Center.
Also factor in weather and how much walking you want to do—beach days can be paused or shortened easily, while a visit to Kennedy Space Center rewards a full, scheduled day.
- Travelers with strollers/very young kids: Cocoa Beach is flexible; Kennedy Space Center involves more walking and exhibit time.
- If you want a half-day return: Cocoa Beach gives more latitude to come and go; KSC is better as a planned full-day visit.
- Interest-driven choice: choose space history for KSC; choose beach culture and surfing for Cocoa Beach.
| Group type | Recommended pick |
|---|---|
| Young children / nap schedules | Cocoa Beach |
| Space/technology enthusiasts | Kennedy Space Center |
| Mixed-ability groups (some want beach, some don’t) | Cocoa Beach for flexibility |
Practical tips before you go
Check the hotel concierge at Loews Portofino Bay Hotel before you leave: they can confirm current road conditions, suggest departure times, and help arrange tours or transfers. The hotel address is 5601 Universal Blvd, Orlando, FL 32819.
Bring essentials for either trip—water, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and any tickets or confirmations. For KSC, check exhibit and program schedules; for Cocoa Beach, check parking options and lifeguard hours at the beach you plan to visit.
- If you need rental gear, ask concierge about local surf schools or rental shops for Cocoa Beach.
- Allow extra travel time for afternoon/evening returns—coastal routes and event days can add delays.
- If using hotel services: BookResorts agents are reachable 24/7 at +1 (888) 605-1350 for booking help related to Loews Portofino Bay Hotel.
| Hotel resources | How they help |
|---|---|
| Concierge / ticket assistance | Can advise on tours, transfers and attraction hours |
| Parking info | Self-parking and valet availability at hotel; confirm if you plan to return with a rental car |
| Room choices | If you’re returning mid-day or want a quieter room after a long day, consider Room, Bay View or Room, Garden View options listed by the hotel |
